Undergraduate Certificate in Sociology, Politics and Psychology

Alert:

Please note that this course has started and enrolment is no longer possible.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Sociology, Politics and Psychology (previously the Undergraduate Certificate in Social Sciences) will provide you with a disciplinary-based introduction to Sociology, Politics and Psychology. You will explore research evidence and theories which attempt to explain identity construction, individual and group behaviour, and power and political relationships in modern societies.

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Overview

The Certificate encourages critical thinking related to existing social scientific research and theory in order to promote balanced judgements about the causes of behaviour in modern societies. You will also examine the similarities and differences between Sociology, Politics and Psychology to promote an appreciation of divergent schools of thought in the human, social and political sciences.

What will I be studying?

The course is taught through three termly units, each with its own topic.

Unit 1: Sociology: the individual, institutions and society

(Fridays on: 28 September, 19 October, 9 November, 30 November 2018)

What is sociology and how is it relevant to modern social life? This unit will provide you with an introduction to the key concepts, research evidence and theories which have attempted to identify the patterns of modern social life and explain their underlying causes. We will begin by examining classical and modern sociological theory and proceed to critically explore research evidence related to family life, education and wider social inequalities (class, gender and ethnicity) in modern societies. We will also consider whether existing social relationships are simply reproduced or are being transformed in a global age.

Unit 2: Politics: power, ideology and the state

(Fridays on: 11 January, 1 February, 22 February, 15 March 2019)

The study of politics is about power and, in particular, the power exercised by the state over its citizens. This unit will introduce you to the key elements of political theory, tracing the evolution of the contemporary nation-state through a focus on varying political ideologies, institutions, processes and debates.

Unit 3: Psychology: identity, development and social behaviour

(Fridays on: 26 April, 17 May, 7 June, 28 June 2019)

What is psychology and why should we study the human mind and behaviour? This unit will give you an introduction to psychology whilst exploring some of the misconceptions about this discipline. We will consider the application of psychology within modern society and the different schools of thought that have developed since its inception. At the same time we will look at the methods psychologists employ to study human behaviour.

What can I go on to do?

Credit awarded by the Institute may also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However the volume of credit and the curriculum which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Accommodation

It may be possible to book accommmodation depending on availability. To book please visit the Madingley Hall website or telephone +44(0)1223 726222. When making a reservation please state that you are a student on the ICE Certificate in Social Sciences programme.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course but as it is taught at university level, applicants should be able to read, write and speak English fluently. If English is not your first language, you will need to send us evidence of your competence in the English language when you apply for a place.

This course is not suitable for students from outside the EU and EEAwho do not already have immigration permission to be in the UK. The University cannot provide visa support for this course.**

** Please note: There may be other courses of interest within ICE’s non-award-bearing short course provision, including the International Summer Programmes for which non EU and non EEA students might be able to obtain a short term study visa. See ICE’s visas page.

Assessment

What is the status of this qualification?

The course is taught and awarded at first-year undergraduate level (FHEQ 4) and offers 60 credits within the Higher Education Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). This is equivalent to half of the first year of full-time undergraduate study.

How will I be taught and assessed?

The course is taught through a mixture of informal lectures and seminars, day-schools, practical sessions and discussion.

You will learn how to present your creative ideas both through speaking and writing. You will also have access to online support through our virtual learning environment, which will accelerate your learning and enhance your experience of the course.

All students are expected to take an active part in the course and submit work showing evidence of learning. In particular, you will be expected in each term to:

It is essential that you have an email account and regular access to the internet. The course is supported by a web-based virtual learning environment (VLE) and course communications will be sent via email. Your assignments will be submitted online, and feedback on assignments is sent to you online.

The computing facilities available at a public library or internet café may be sufficient and unlimited free computing and internet access will be available to you within the University Library throughout your course.

Fees

The fee for the course is £2,175 for the year and covers tuition, and refreshments throughout the day. You can pay in one of two ways:

in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)

in four instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second by 1 November 2018, the third by 1 February 2019 and the final payment on 1 April 2019.

Online application is recommended and the link to the online form is at the top of this page.

The closing date for receipt of all applications is 19 September 2018. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees (£2,175) or if paying by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Wednesday 19 September 2018.